P.O. Ackley Built Rifle

[2AJman]

I'm new to Accurate Shooter, so if this is the wrong thread my apologies in advance. I'm trying to find out what I have before taking any next steps on possibly modifying my optic and changing the original configuration.

I picked up an old custom/sporterized Gewehr 98 last year while at my local shop, because it just grabbed my attention. It looks to be a high quality build that was done in the late 1950s or early 1960’s based on the appearance and the hardware being used. The rifle was rechambered in 270 Win and was made to be a bench shooter. The reason for my question is the barrel is stamped with PO Ackley, and his initials PO are also found engraved by what looks to be an electric pen, which based on some other forums, could indicate he personally built this rifle. I have called several local gunsmiths and a few local appraisers, but everyone admitted they just don’t know enough or even know someone who would be knowledgeable to give an honest answer. If it is just a quality built sporterized Mauser, that’s fine and I will update the optic, but I don’t want to make any modifications if it may be something more. Any suggestions on next steps to help determine what I have? I've tried a few other forums and it was suggested to try here.

Thanks

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Make it to fit you

 

[BigWyoming]

Good on you for trying to figure out what you have and possibly saving some history.

I'd scour all his writings and look for any reference to the rifle - this is just off the top, but maybe contact Randy Selby ( https://randyscustomrifles.com/therealgunsmith/ ). He has some knowledge of PO Ackley.

I'd leave it as is and hunt that thing.

 

[2AJman]

Good on you for trying to figure out what you have and possibly saving some history.

I'd scour all his writings and look for any reference to the rifle - this is just off the top, but maybe contact Randy Selby ( https://randyscustomrifles.com/therealgunsmith/ ). He has some knowledge of PO Ackley.

I'd leave it as is and hunt that thing.

Appreciate your input and I will definitely checkout Randy Selby. And this rifle is too dang heavy to hunt with. LOL

 

[Tommie]

Leave it as-is. If the gun has to be modified to work for you, get a different gun or sell this one to a collector.

 

[Old Navy]

The first varmint rifle I bought in the early seventies had an Ackley barrel on it. I honestly can't remember how good it shot.

 

[WyleWD]

I bought a 6-284 back in the mid to late 1970s that was built by PO Ackley. Although it was a Rem 700 the buttpad, stock, scope, and barrel markings you pictured perfectly match my recollection of that rifle. If it does turn out to be a PO Ackley I agree with Tommie in post 5 above.

Let us know how it goes in trying to find out if it is a true PO Ackley creation. WD

 

[Riesel]

I wonder if that's a .270 Winchester Improved??

 

[jackson1]

Looks like quality build. Have the same stock from that period. What really caught my eye is the Maynard Buehler scope mounts. Have them on several rifles and like them. Might put a newer 1" diameter scope on it. If it was my rifle I would shoot and enjoy it. It is hunting rifle, so I would guess there are not that many rounds down the barrel.

 

[2AJman]

I wonder if that's a .270 Winchester Improved??

I've been thinking the same thing.

 

[Liven The Dream]

You need to find some Old Timers still around ?
Doan Trevor in NM Stock Builder is one .

Best of Luck

As point out leave it as is . Value may be High ?

 

[357Mag]

I've been thinking the same thing.

2AJ -

Howdy !varmint ri

Ackley made his own barrels for a while. I DK when he stopped doing that, and switched to use of Douglas barrels ? My point: if your rifle had a P.O. Ackley original barrel, that in an of itself would add value to the gun ( IMHO ).

The rifle I had out of Ackley's shop, was a made a coule years before he passed away. It was based on an Interarms Mk 10 ( M-98 ), and has the lustorus bluing that your rifle appears to have. I believe Ackley was using Bishop walnut stocks. My rifle was a 24" heavy barrelled .22-250 varmint rifle, and sure was a good looking gun. Your .270's barrel appears to me to be even heavier than the barrel on my rifle.


Best of luck w/ your efforts !


With regards,
357Mag

 

[BigWyoming]

Could a factory 270 be shot in the rifle if AI'd and it would be the tell?

I do not know 100%

 

[watercam]

Contact Rock River Auctions. They will have seen enough to give you some idea of it's worth. Great piece in any event!

 

[Bill K]

Another sourse for Ackley info, etc. could be Mike Bellm, Bellm's TC. believe he worked with Ackley and may have married a daughter.

 

[snert]

I wouldn't change a thing. I'd just put a newer scope on it and clean it properly, and hang on to it. Shoot it some.

There are no more Parker Ackley guns being made.

Snert, aka Parker

 

[snert]

But not THAT Parker

 

[280ai]

You CAN shoot any factory round in an Ackley improved that is how you fire form brass. And it also is a good hedge if you leave your ammo home the factory ammo will shoot pretty accurate. With my 280 AI i load lowest charge of 4895 or any powder recommended for the cartridge and jam the bullet so as to support the cartridge at both ends during firing. This is the proper way to fireform brass for an Ackley. This method will get longest life from new brass usually 5-6 firings if you don't anneal. One to two more firings if you anneal.

 

[Tommie]

Could a factory 270 be shot in the rifle if AI'd and it would be the tell?

I do not know 100%

Yep

 

[2AJman]

Another sourse for Ackley info, etc. could be Mike Bellm, Bellm's TC. believe he worked with Ackley and may have married a daughter.

Thanks for this suggestion. I will reach out to him.